Cleaning a benchtop still

[Rum]

We are using a benchtop still to proof our spiced rum due to the dissolved solids. Everything works great other than cleaning the mess out of the glass flask after doing a run. Basically, it has baked on sugars that are a pain to remove.

Any suggestions on how to clean the flask?

[Rich Morgan]

Hot caustic (sodium hydroxide) works a treat on sugars on glass and stainless. But it also strips flesh like crazy be carefull. But any good caustic based cleaner should work. Please get some advise FIRST if you have never used hot caustic solutions.

[Kelly P]

We are using a benchtop still to proof our spiced rum due to the dissolved solids. Everything works great other than cleaning the mess out of the glass flask after doing a run. Basically, it has baked on sugars that are a pain to remove.

Any suggestions on how to clean the flask?

Powdered Brewers Wash (PBW) by Five Star Chemicals works well on organic build-up. Soak at 1 oz / gal.

It is relatively safe and breaks down into salts. ( it is sodium metasillicate)

[Cutty]

Rum,

I second Mr Morgan's opinion. Sodium Hydroxide "Caustic" is a very dangerous chemical, especially for the eyes. I am the safety director for a research company and we have had to rush an individual to the ER for a single drop of diluted caustic in the eye. He was in extreme pain for a few hours but luckily he retained his sight. This is a chemical that should be handed with care at room temperature let alone hot. That being said it is a very effective organic cleaner. Read an MSDS for Sodium Hydroxide carefully and be sure to wear good safety glasses when working with it.

Good Luck, Ian

[Rum]

Thanks guys. I have PBW that I use on my fermentation tanks. I'll give that a try.